driving to south france

nickyhutch

sunshinetours wrote: »

Hmm just checked the map - depending on where you are going in Vendee, St Malo may be a fair bit closer actually. The Charente Maritime area where we go is further down and further over so the difference is not so much. Try the viamichelin site if you haven't already

Yes, I've just looked! Michelin says 161 miles form St Malo and 415 from Calais. More in fuel, obv, from Calais, and tolls, and fuel UK end, Eurotunnel = clubcard vouchers, but no outlay in airmiles. Hmmmmmmm. If it were just me and OH, Calais would win hands down, but grumpy, fidgetty teens would do my head in!

kazd

Your kids may surprise you, we are going to Sanguinet which is Aquitaine and did all the costings and timings. The overnight ferries just worked out so expensive with out actually saving you more than a couple of hours off your journey time in France. In the end we have opted for a ferry with Norfolk Lines (nicer ferries and less busy, no coach parties). Its a slightly longer crossing but gives the kids chance to wander round and for us to relax a bit. The distance added in France is only a few km's. We are then driving to Le Mans and staying overnight which should be approx a 4 - 5 hour drive, then the next day will be approx 4 hours. We have a couple of DVD players and ds and ipod touch so we are sorted.

Bob_the_Saver

Just to say we're not far from there now (been on the beach all day) but driving South in France in August can be a nightmare, killing each other on the roads sometimes seems like a national sport - please take care, especially at weekends.

DMC75_2

Still not sure .

Any dsicount codes for ferries to bilboa / Satander ?

or any recommendations where to stay in dover and where to stop on way from calais to serignan plage area?

nickyhutch

I've never found any discount codes, but people do sell a 10% off brittany ferries code on ebay. I think it's an Owner's Club discount or similar. You can pay for brittany ferries with airmiles.

Smi1er

nickyhutch wrote: »

It's a nightmare, isn;t it? We're only going to the Vendee but travelling from Manchester. No tots, but 3 teen boys in the back seat to consider (had to change up to a bigger car!). We're trying to work out whether to spend out airmiles on the ferry crossing Portsmouth - St Malo (easiest time-wise) or do Eurotunnel (cheaper, but more driving and more time). Gutted about using my airmiles becuase they'd be better spent on a holiday for me and OH!

Good luck. If it were me with tots I'd go for the one with less driving.

We've been to the Vendee a few times going via Eurotunnel and returning via St Malo. Do you both drive? I tend to do most of the driving and arrive at the Vendee absolutely knackered, b ut return via St Malo. Much less driving but 6 hour crossing so Ferry costs more and less fuel costs. All in all it's more expensive travelling via St Malo but if I was coming from Manchester it would be a no brainer.

slinga

Can I recommend the outdoor market in Rennes to stop off for some food and groceries.
Best in France? That's if you go through St Malo.

Although the one in Toulouse (indoor) is very good.

kreid

can anyone recommend a cheap hotel / travel lodge not too far from Calais? We vare driving from calais to Limoges, and as we are driving from Perth to Dover, we will need somewhere to stop overnight!
Ferries from anywhere other than dover /folkestone exorbitant! We will take the chunnel and use tesco vouchers!

DMC75_2

anyone used the car train down to south france?

sunshinetours

DMC75 wrote: »

anyone used the car train down to south france?

We (briefly) looked into it last year but cost was very expensive. Its a nice idea if you prefer not to drive and obviously you have petrol and toll savings. Very much doubt it will be a cheap option though

Interesting recent article on the apparent poor service now though
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/france/2557528/French-Motorail-not-on-track.html

EDIT - actually not so recent article - Calais apparently not running now